This feathery palm has a slender upright greenish ribbed trunk that matures brown and is topped with arching dull green divided fronds that form a rounded crown. The small cream flowers appear in a pendant cluster during summer followed by red fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Howea forsterianais naturally found in Lord Howe Island growing on the coast and on the adjoining lowlands to an altitude of 300 m (1,000 ft).

It prefers a well drained fertile organic rich moist sandy and basaltic based soil in a protected semi shaded to sunny position and is drought and frost tender.

The Kentia Palm is grown for its very attractive foliage and slender habit. It is planted in small to medium size gardens as a specimen or used in group plantings. It is also grown around water features for a tropical effect and is suitable for coastal or low-mountain regions. It is slow growing, establishing in 5 to 10 years and is long lived. In cool climates it is grown as a glasshouse specimen in containers. This palm adds an elegant touch to the garden and is commonly grown as an indoor potted plant when young.ID 417

Note:
It prefers a temperate climate and grows poorly in a sub-tropical or tropical regions

Howea(HOW-ee-a) forsteriana(for-sta-ree-AH-na)

"Howea" is a Latinate name for Lord Howe Island - the place of origin of this palm; "fosteriana" commemorates Senator William Forster, of New South Wales, Australia.

Arecaceae(ar-ek-AY-see-ee)     
(Palmae)
Palm Family